Spring Practice Update: Defense Dominates, Offense Struggles

John Simon and the defense dominated 

With the annual Scarlet-Gray spring game just a week away, the Buckeye defense seems ready for the games to begin.  The offense may be hoping for a few more weeks of practice after struggling in the storm-shortened 42-16 defeat to the defense.

The four quarterbacks fighting for the starting job for the first five games of 2011 had very below average days, combining to go 7-22 for 69 yards and multiple interceptions.  Cornerback Bradley Roby led the defense with two interceptions, while Dorian Bell had another interception and John Simon had a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery all on the same play.

There were several drops by the receiving corps, including a drop by Jaamal Berry that led to Joe Bauserman’s pass being intercepted.  It is early in spring, but if the drops continue into the fall, it could become a problem.

While the stats may have some Buckeye fans concerned about the first five games of next season, it is way too early to begin thinking about that.  On the positive side, the defenses the Buckeyes will face in those first five are nowhere near as talented as what they face in practice every day.

No matter which receivers are on the field in the fall, those first five games will be a coming-of-age for them.  DeVier Posey is the only junior or senior on the two-deep so the underclassmen will need to step up.  Sophomores Chris “Philly” Brown and Chris Fields both saw playing time as freshmen and they will be expected to step up on Saturdays.



Reid Fragel will be looking to make plays for the Buckeyes this fall.

Looking forward, the tight end will probably be used much more than ever before in the 2011 season.  Jake Stoneburner and Reid Fragel are returning and have reliable hands to go with deceptive speed.  Stoneburner, a former wide receiver, has adapted well to the tight end position.

Receiving out of the backfield will also be a larger part of the Buckeye offense this fall, with Berry and Jordan Hall needing to catch the ball and also make guys miss.

More than likely, Joe Bauserman and Kenny Guiton will be the starters in next week’s spring game, but that could be changed if both are drafted onto the same squad.  Either way, Bauserman, Guiton, along with Taylor Graham and freshman Braxton Miller will get their chance to shine on Saturday.

The spring game may not decide the starting quarterback spot, but a bad performance could drop a guy out of the race.  Bauserman seems to have the head start, being the senior, but the other three have been nipping at his heels.

With all the turmoil happening on the offensive side of the ball, it is good to have some stability on defense.  No matter what happens, fans in the Buckeye state can count on the Silver Bullets.